Nuforce Awards And Reviews

Rory Buszka, Techgage (Icon and S-1)

In both design and execution, NuForce's first complete PC audio system is impressive. The stylish S-1 speakers and slim Icon-1 USB DAC/integrated amplifier convey a level of sophistication that's thus far been unmatched by any other system I've encountered, and together they deliver an audio performance that befits their high-end audio pedigree. Read Full Review or download PDF

Christopher Jones, Playback (Icon)

Kevin Hunt, The Chicago Tribune (Icon)

"...The Icon, no bigger than Madonna's little black book (the paperback version), suggests what music in the home might become if we don't devolve into a nation of iPhone or iPod or iTouch speaker-dock addicts. At its best, this $249 device summons something far greater than dock-quality music...Neither complaint will stop me from calling the Icon one of the year's hottest new products..."

Gary Krakow, TheStreet.com (Icon and S-1)

"...Here's the payoff: You will not believe how good this combination sounds. The Icon/S-1 combo produces the best-quality sound I've ever heard coming from my computer... Read Full Review (Includes Video Review)

Danny Dumas/Christopher Jones, Wired.com (Icon)

Rating: 8/10 Read Full Review

Thom Moon, Goodsound.com (Icon)

All in all, the NuForce Icon is a fantastic small amplifier. I recommend it for any application in small spaces such as offices, bedrooms, dorm rooms, etc. With a set of good, sensitive speakers and nearly any kind of music, the NuForce Icon will give you a system that really satisfies. Read Full Review

Amazon.com Online Customer Reviews

Icon (silver color), Icon (black color), Icon (red color)

Audiophile Reviews

True audiophiles take endless pains to improve their audio systems. For some of us, it's a life-long journey. The beginner often finds audiophile equipment reviews confusing. If that's you, we strongly recommend familiarizing yourself with the basic criteria audiophile journalists use in assessing audio gear. We recommend that you read A Beginner's Guide to Good Audio or What Audiophiles Listen For: An Informal Guide.

Wes Phillips, Stereophile

At $249, it's an amazing little integrated amplifier with USB DAC, and it's styled and built to a farethee-well. Who cares if it doesn't drive $3000/pair audiophile speakers better than the high-priced gewgaws? Not me - and I'm picky. I don't think NuForce designed the Icon for people who have $3000 speakers or are comfortable buying them. The Icon is a *Now I get it* product for people who think good-sounding audio is expensive and silly... I think I now know why the Icon has a capital I and the other iPod-inspired products don't: It deserves it. Read Full Review

Srajan Ebaen, 6moons.com (Icon review)

As far as bare presentation goes, it's like, dialed, dog. I kid you not. The carrying handle conjures up images of urban chixters and city slickers sashaying out of a trendy inner city boutique.... The DeVores confirmed a few suspicions the Rubies had already engendered. One, the Icon does bass completely beyond its size. Two, it's slightly warm and not at all clinically bleached, giving the very neutral Nines the small boost of 'tonality' I find they want. Three, the treble is unexpectedly smooth.... Read Full Review

Srajan Ebaen, 6moons.com (S-1 review)

...the midrange and lower treble are silly good indeed. I simply need more reach into the bass (forget low bass, that's off the menu in this entire discussion) to consider the NuForce mini speaker viable as marketed - solo, without auxiliary woofer/s. Add-ons defeat the entire purpose though. Other critics will disagree. Let them make the as-is case. If NuForce doesn't plan to author their own bass module, I shall wait for them to recommend a specific one that mates to the S-1 optimally; doesn't screw up an iota where it already excels; and won't turn your or my desk top into a crowded parking lot and the area behind it into even more of a wiring mess. For now, this proposition is a bit heavy on spin and too light on completing the job. And why would NuForce rely on competitors to finish it for them? Call me a bit puzzled... Read Full Review

Note: Nuforce S-1 (and the whole Icon system) was criticized for the lack of bass until the release of W-1, which elevated the system to a higher level and ended up receiving the rare Blue Moon award.

Srajan Ebaen, 6moons.com (W-1 review)

To leapfrog straight to the conclusion, the W-1 is the proverbial knight in shining armor to rescue the S-1 damsel in distress. Its appearance on the same desktop which previously had taken the pulse on the speakers solo now pronounced the playing field significantly altered.... What we have here is a very hi-end-ish 'starter' system that should last many people well past their first forays into the hobby. Resolution, clarity of vocal enunciation, separation and coherence all go quite beyond what the price tag might promise (or warn not to expect).... NuForce is to be commended for offering so much for so little and even throwing four color options into the mix. Front man Casey Ng is to be commended for returning to the lion's den after both David and I had rather skewered the unassisted S-1s on their first visit. It's hard to pick a favorite out of the components that make up the NuForce desk-top system. They're so well matched and thus complementary that the sum goes beyond just the parts. That's a sign of good engineering. It also maximizes bang for the buck. For all that, an award is in order. Congratulations, NuForce. We may have been reluctant at first but with the launch of the W-1, this mini rig has matured to perfection! Read Full Review